Dart throwing game

ABSTRACT

A dart target game set featuring a baseboard and backstop with target locations for various point assignments and gameplay rules. In the preferred embodiment, the game features a canned beverage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/317,527 titled “Dart Throwing Game” filed on Apr. 2, 2016.

FIELD

The present invention relates to methods and devices for playing a game. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of a game using a flying objects such as darts.

BACKGROUND

Games are known in the art in which dart projectiles are thrown at stationary target boards. The target boards feature different scoring awards depending on dart strike location. Such games can be a source of entertainment and exciting competition. As the market grows for new flying object games, the invention defined here will assist in meeting the need.

Conventional dart games are typically confined to indoor spaces (e.g. bars, restaurants, clubhouses, arcades, etc) due to the difficulty in finding appropriate wall-mounts to install the target boards outdoors. Additionally, scoring concepts in many dart games are complex, requiring computer assistance to track game progress. Finally, the typical outdoor tailgate or yard games on the market are often cumbersome to travel with and setup due to size, durability, and weight. The present invention is compact, strong, easy to transport, sets up virtually anywhere with flat ground and features an innovative scoring system.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a darts game featuring a target board with various scoring ranges awarded when a dart strikes within the allowed perimeter. In the preferred embodiment, there are four scoring assignments dictated by the targets on the target boards; the smaller targets corresponding to the greater point value. In the preferred embodiment, a canned beverage is placed on the center target of the target board with contact to canned beverage equaling the highest point value awarded. Alternative turns as the offensive team will occur until a team has achieved the designated value of points for a victory.

Teams consisting of 1-2 players each alternate offensive throws from a predetermined distance away from the boards to calculate the scoring round or frame. When playing with a single target board setup, players will shoot against one another on same side of “court” shooting at an identical target. When playing with a two target board setup with two player (2 versus 2) teams, teammates must stand on opposite ends from one another and shoot against the opposing team positioned adjacent to them. In the preferred embodiment, two target boards are used and set up facing each other at a specified distance reasonable for throwing darts, although the scope of the invention is intended to cover the use of one target board in play or the use of multiple target boards in play.

The target boards when setup for gameplay feature a baseboard (horizontal) portion elevated slightly in the back sloping downward to the front to rest on ground level connected by hinge to the backboard (vertical) portion to create an obtuse angle shape between the two vectors. The obtuse angle should be approximately 100 to 130 degrees. The hinge will stop at the angle between 100 and 130 degrees. When the boards are closed for storing or transport, the backstop will fold down flat to the baseboard layer via the back hinges. Hinges are mounted to the rear of the target surface on both the base and backstop to avoid any direct dart projectile impact. Kits can be assembled to comprise one or more target boards and multiple darts featuring two colors (one color designated for each team).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a target board of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the target board;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the target board;

FIG. 4 is a closed side view of the target board;

FIG. 5 is a closed top angle view of the target board; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of the field of play for a game described in present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 show a target board having a horizontal baseboard 10 and a vertical backboard 12 coupled together at the backside of the target board. The horizontal baseboard 10 is generally horizontal, but in the preferred embodiment, it has a slight slope 28. As used herein, coupled means that two or more objects are connected, either directly, or indirectly through an intermediary. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 have hinges 14 and 16 coupling the horizontal baseboard 10 and vertical backboard 12 together. Target rings extend from the midpoint 32 of the axis that couples the horizontal baseboard 10 to the vertical backboard 12. The target rings begin with a substantially cylindrical shape 18 surrounded by a medium spherical ring 20 enclosed by one large spherical ring 22. The cylindrical shape 18 and surrounding rings (a medium spherical ring 20 and a large spherical ring 22) are featured in both the baseboard 10 and backboard 12 elements. The backboard 12 hinges (14 and 16) are fixed to a rear hinge support 24. The baseboard 10 is elevated slightly by a rear strut 26 resulting in a slight slope 28 forward to the ground level. The vertical backboard can also be coupled directly to the horizontal baseboard without using the rear hinge support intermediary, such that the vertical backboard is hinged directly the horizontal baseboard.

When the boards are setup in gameplay position, the baseboard 10 and backboard 12 will create an obtuse angle 30 with one another. The backboard 12 will prop back vertical and stay in an upright position held by hinges 14 and 16.

When boards are closed for stowing or transportation, the backboard 12 will collapse down to the baseboard 10 via hinges 14 and 16 to create a flat profile, as shown in FIG. 4. Additional transportation and convenience features include carrying straps to carry two sets in one bundle or a single set without the baseboard and backboard unhinging. A carrying handle 38 and attached pouch for darts also may be included.

In additional detail, referring to the invention of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the baseboard 10 and backboard 12 are in sufficient size to accurately throw dart projectiles with accuracy at a range of three to six yards from board edges, such as about 12 to 20 inches in height and diameter. In the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, a player 34 will be twelve feet away from the target board the player is throwing at. Boards are designed to rest for play on any relatively flat surface. Gameplay setup and use of canned beverage 36 for central target is shown in FIG. 6. The central target or inner ring corresponds to a canned beverage. The canned beverage is associated with the inner ring by either placing the canned beverage in front of the inner ring, or having the scores obtained from darts striking the target rings to a number of gulps of the beverage, as explained in more detail below. The target boards may also be elevated using tables.

The construction details of the invention featured in FIGS. 1-6 are that the boards be made of wood or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as hard plastic and the like. Surface material of the forward facing planes of both the baseboard 10 and backboard 12 should be penetrable by dart projectiles. The surface material may be made of wood, plastic, bristle, coiled paper, cork, sisal or like materials.

The board set and gameplay of the present invention are a new version of entertainment for any social gathering function built around any combination of fun, comradery, playful interaction, and competition. The game set will be easily moved as compared to larger tossing games as it features small volume and collapses down for easy stowing and transporting.

The present invention is a dart target game set created for 2 teams, and the teams generally consist of 1 or 2 players playing in a fun and competitive manner, although teams can be expanded to include more than 2 players. In the preferred embodiment, the game consists of throwing darts at the target and scoring the dart throws based on the location of the darts. There are four scoring assignments dictated by the targets on the boards; the smaller target corresponding to the greater the point value. The furthest outer perimeter area outside the widest arch or missing the board or falling out of the boards results in 0 points. A dart thrown and stuck within the widest arch and the secondary arch results in 1 point. A dart thrown and stuck in between the widest arch and center target results in 2 points. A dart thrown and stuck in the center target results in 3 points. In the preferred embodiments, the scoring is associated with a canned beverage, such as a twelve ounce beer can. For example, the center target area can be substituted for a canned beverage for a scoring variation. If the first player strikes the canned beverage and creates a new hole in the can, the thrower is awarded 3 points. The opponent would then consume the canned beverage down to the point of dart puncture before resuming play. Canned beverages in the center will be changed out after receiving 3 dart hits and/or when emptied. Alternative turns as the offensive team will occur until a team has achieved the value of 21 points for a victory. Cancellation scoring is utilized so if Team A scores 4 points and Team B scores 3 points the score would be Team A: 1 Team B: 0.

Another gameplay variation associating scoring with the canned beverage states that a dart hitting and striking the center target of the backboard or baseboard would result in 3 points as well as a pre-determined “drink” penalty for the opposition; e.g. hitting the backboard center target=3 points for throwing team and a 1 drink penalty for opponent and hitting the baseboard center target=3 points and a 3 drink penalty for opponent. This drink penalty that corresponds to the number of points is one gulp of the beverage.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A game comprising a plurality of darts and a target board the target board further comprising a horizontal baseboard having a bottom target side and a vertical backboard having a top target side the vertical backboard coupled to the horizontal baseboard with hinges at a hinged axis having a midpoint wherein the vertical backboard is capable of folding onto the horizontal baseboard and wherein the vertical backboard and the horizontal baseboard can be unfolded to form an open target wherein the vertical backboard and horizontal baseboard form an obtuse angle to expose the target wherein a plurality of scoring rings including an inner ring and an outer ring extend from the center of the midpoint of the hinged axis.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein the vertical backboard is coupled to the horizontal baseboard by a rear hinge support, wherein the rear hinge support is fixed to the horizontal baseboard and wherein the vertical backboard is fixed to the rear hinge support.
 3. The game of claim 1, wherein the inner ring is a beverage ring sized for a twelve ounce aluminum can.
 4. The game of claim 1, wherein a strut is attached to the horizontal baseboard.
 5. The game of claim 1, wherein a handle extends from the target board.
 6. The game of claim 1, further comprising a twelve ounce beverage.
 7. The game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of scoring rings consists of three generally elliptical rings.
 8. The game of claim 1, wherein the hinges lock at an obtuse angle.
 9. The game of claim 1, wherein the horizontal baseboard is sloped.
 10. A method of playing a dart game, comprising the steps of throwing darts at the game of claim 1, and scoring the dart throw based upon the location of the darts on the game of claim
 1. 11. A method of playing a dart game comprising the steps of alternating a plurality of dart tosses of a plurality of teams wherein a dart is tossed at a target board, the dart tosses directed towards the target board comprising a vertical backboard attached to a horizontal baseboard at an axis such that the vertical backboard and the horizontal baseboard form an obtuse angle at any point on the axis, wherein a plurality of rings extend of the center of the axis and include at least an inner ring and an outer ring scoring the dart tosses according to the location of the dart after the dart toss, wherein darts located inside smaller rings are awarded more points than darts located inside only larger rings.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of teams consists of two teams, so that at a given time, there is a throwing team and an opponent.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein a beverage is placed in front of the inner ring.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein each team throws at a different target board.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein darts that do not stick inside the outer ring earn zero points.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the dart game is complete after a team is awarded twenty one points.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein a beverage is placed in front of the inner ring and a drink penalty is assessed against the opponent when a dart from the throwing team punctures the beverage creating a puncture point.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the drink penalty consists of the beverage being consumed by the opponent to a level at or below the puncture point.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the opponent is assessed a drink penalty corresponding to the score of the throwing team, wherein the drink penalty is comprised of a predetermined number of gulps of the beverage for the opponent.
 20. A game kit comprising one or more target boards, the target boards being further comprised of a horizontal baseboard and a vertical backboard configured to be in an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position exposes the horizontal baseboard and the vertical backboard open to create an obtuse angle displaying a plurality of target rings and wherein the closed position closes the horizontal baseboard and the vertical backboard together the plurality of target rings corresponding to predetermined scoring values for a competitively scored game the plurality of target rings having at least an inner ring and an outer ring, the inner ring configured to have a twelve ounce canned beverage placed directly in front of the inner ring so that the inner ring cannot be seen when the twelve ounce canned beverage is placed directly in front of the inner ring a plurality of darts for a plurality of teams. 